More than 1 million Australian motorists put at risk by 'grenade' airbags

Motorists urged to "act now" after Sydney airbag death.

More than 1 million Australian motorists put at risk by 'grenade' airbags

22 Jul 2017David McCowen

More than 1 million Australian drivers are at risk of exploding "grenade" airbags that killed a man in Sydney.

Police said a 58-year-old driver died when the airbag of his Honda CR-V ruptured following a crash in Cabramatta on July 13. Investigators said he was "struck in the neck by a small fragment" when the safety device deployed.

The car in question was fitted with faulty airbag inflators that can become damaged by moisture, causing chemical propellant to explode in an uncontrolled fashion when triggered by a crash.

Car makers have recalled around 2.1 million cars in Australia to replace airbag parts reportedly responsible for 18 deaths around the world. When a Darwin woman was injured by faulty Takata-made airbag components in her Toyota this year, Drive obtained data that found 717,000 cars in Australia are still fitted with potentially deadly airbags recalled by major manufacturers. Mazda, Mitsubishi and Nissan have a combined 450,000 cars in need of attention.

Subaru has not revealed how many of its 173,000 cars have been rectified.

Data released for the first time by Toyota on Saturday shows it has repaired just 161,261 of 546,287 cars affected by the issue.

Metal pieces from a Takata air bag module that ruptured in Japan. Photo: Bloomberg

Honda is replacing up to 5000 Takata inflators per week. A spokesman for the brand says it has replaced 456,136 inflators to date, but that 194,243 potentially faulty units remain on Australian roads.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family of the driver during this difficult time.

"Honda Australia is working closely with authorities to provide whatever assistance is required."

Car companies have struggled to get hold of replacement parts in the wake of the world's largest safety recalls.

Earlwood resident Maria Bekiaris has been driving the same model of 2007 Honda CR-V involved in Sydney's airbag death while waiting for replacement parts. Honda repaired her car on Wednesday, less than a week after the first Australian fatality as a result of the airbag crisis.

"From when I called to make the appointment it was two and a half months before they could take my car in.

"I was driving around for months with a grenade in front of me, and I didn't even realise it.

"It's really hit me. I'm really lucky that I wasn't in an accident."

Many drivers have been frustrated by delays for potential repairs. Northern NSW retiree Don Blake has been waiting for more than a year to have his 2003 Subaru Outback sorted out.

"Things just aren't moving quickly enough," Mr Blake said.

"I am horrified when I get in it. I think, let's hope we're lucky and nothing goes off here.

"It's ludicrous. These Takata airbags are incredibly dangerous - if they go off they could kill you."

No country has been hit by the Takata airbag scandal harder than the US, where 12 people have died and manufacturers have recalled more than 42 million vehicles. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has led the charge in addressing the Takata issue, compelling manufacturers to arrange costly recalls for many models.

A report published by NHTSA in July found flaws in Takata inflators containing desiccant for the first time, as "testing data shows that the propellant in this inflator is degrading and on the path towards potential ruptures in the future".

That may mean that many vehicles already equipped with replacement airbags may need to be fixed again.

It won't help car companies in their push to have customers bring cars in.

Ms Bekiaris said drivers with recall notices should not hesitate to have their car fixed.